Poor health in mid-life 'can increase dementia risk'

People who smoke, or have diabetes or high blood pressure during middle-age have an increased risk of developing dementia, it is claimed.

An article in the Journal of Neurology, Neurosurgery and Psychiatry suggests however that modification of this behaviour during their middle years can improve their chances of resisting the development of dementia.

Reacting to the study, the Alzheimer's Research Trust chief executive Rebecca Wood suggests that this latest study is just the latest in a growing body of evidence which suggests that looking after the heart is the key to reducing dementia risk.

"Although this latest research recommends mid-life as a critical time to change our lifestyles, it's never too early, or late, to take steps towards improving heart-health," she added.

In another recent scientific study, it was found that people who stay in education longer have a reduced risk of dementia later in life, as their brains are better prepared to deal with changes in the brain that cause the disease.

Read more about Barchester's dementia care homes.